When (trying to) open the rear hatch (aka liftgate) there is noise and struggle but alas the door doesn't open. Bought a Toyota for the reliable reputation but $600 of parts on a 4yr old highlander is diminishing that reputation a bit.
Update from Jun 21, 2022: This was somewhat embarrassingly and somewhat frustratingly a user error. Turns out a mischievous person activated the valet button in the glove box which disables the door, KIND OF, but it makes noise when trying to open the door. Why does this button exist? The valet would still be able to access the back from the back seat.... unlike a trunk that can actually be locked up from the valet.
When (trying to) open the rear hatch (aka liftgate) there is noise and struggle but alas the door doesn't open. Bought a Toyota for the reliable reputation but $600 of parts on a 4yr old highlander is diminishing that reputation a bit.
Update from Jun 21, 2022: This was somewhat embarrassingly and somewhat frustratingly a user error. Turns out a mischievous person activated the valet button in the glove box which disables the door, KIND OF, but it makes noise when trying to open the door. Why does this button exist? The valet would still be able to access the back from the back seat.... unlike a trunk that can actually be locked up from the valet.
- P P., Edgewood, NM, US